Craig Tracy [USA]

www.paintedalive.com

How did you get involved in bodypainting?  
I've always been an Artist. I started painting professionally at the age of 16 but nothing truly satisfied my creative passion. I was unsatisfied with conventional forms of art. I kept my mind open for something, something that was exceptional... I had painted on bodies before but I had never taken these paintings seriously. I enjoyed them but never really put my energy or focus into creating true works of art on the body. It was after years of doing some face and Bodypainting and not only doing it but really enjoying the process, that I finally asked myself the life changing question. "What if I took Bodypainting seriously?" It was then that I started researching and then collecting fine art Bodypaintings from other artists from around the world. I surrounded myself with inspirational Bodypainted images. My home became dedicated to this amazing art form as did my heart and soul. Bodypainting for me was an oasis in the desert of my discontent. For me Bodypainting is a culmination of my greatest desires. 

You work with different techniques, how does a technique influence your work?
Techniques are like friends to me. It's good to have more then one to enjoy and work with. Each is limited is some respect but together they are limitless. It's this feeling of freedom that influences me most. I do however sometimes choose a particular technique and it's unique qualities to work within. I do this as it pleases me. It's sort of emotional at times and then other times with other paintings my choices are more logic based. I really do love not having limited technique options. This approach tends to allowing for creative magic to sometimes happen. 

How do the people in your local area react to bodypainting?
Bodypainting is loved and appreciated by all around me. I've never received any truly negative response to my work. I've received some responses that were ignorant perhaps but I then soon set them straight. So much of my gallery is about education. I personally introduce about 50 or so people everyday to this most beautiful and interesting art form. "Bodypainting is like chocolate" I tell people. Very few people don't have a taste for it once they are introduced to its deliciousness. Bodypainting just seems to make people happy and often on different levels. 

What direction do you want to see your work taking?  
:-) Oh, I've got so much to still do. I truly feel like an infant just learning to crawl. I intend to focus most of my energy on helping Bodypainting and myself as well to evolve. I want this most alluring art form to become a vital part of the fine art world. I want to look back each year and know that I creatively pushed, pulled and nurtured Bodypainting along on it's way to a maturity. A maturity that knows no limits. 

What are you doing to promote bodypainting?
I've opened the first gallery in the history of the world dedicated exclusively to Bodypainted images. I've created a body of work that gets lots of attention and I've been able to create work that lasts through photographic prints. I've sold thousands of images that people are living with daily. My work stimulates their lives as a part of their environment. Each and every person that comes into contact with my work in a home or business environment has an opportunity to see Bodypainting as something more then just novelty. I promote Bodypainting with every breath and decision that I make. I sell bodypainted images from artists other than myself, in my gallery. Sharing what I know about Bodypainting with others Artists and non-artists alike is a huge part of what I do. I look to inspire, educate and excite every living sole with this art that i love so much.

How would you like other artists to be involved in the Painted Alive gallery?
If you are a fine art Bodypainter and you would like your work to be seen and possibly sold as fine art then I offer people that opportunity. My gallery is limited in space but ultimately the goal is that fine art Bodypainting will find suitable space in conventional contemporary art galleries all over the world. I also hope to inspire other artists to see fine art Bodypainting as a viable option and outlet by living as an example. Know one gave me this gallery, I created it from my dreams and if it's possible for me than it to is possible for others. 

How would you like to see bodypainting develop in the upcoming years?
I want it listed, considered, appreciated, critiqued, created, bought, taught, sold and most of all excepted and respected as a truly viable option in the fine art world.

As a respected artist in the bodypainting community, what advice would you give to artists at the beginning of their bodypainting careers? 
This is my favorite question of yours... :-) I know that we as bodypainting artists are in control of the future of this art. We are responsible for the creation of work that stimulates a movement of art, artists and lovers of art. We must continue to be 'truly" creative and inspired by what it is that we do and see and we must not allow any excuses to hold us back. Follow your heart and use your head to do so. Don't follow money as money often seems to work in contrast to "true" creativity. Follow the path of leaders and then hope to become a leader yourself one day. I keep inspirational art and artists around me constantly. Give as much as you take and find balance in life. Remember that without sacrifice it's almost impossible to achieve anything. Oh, and allow yourself to really enjoy being a Bodypainter. Get painted yourself from time to time. It will keep you honest and in touch with what it is that we do.